Cosmetic surgery has become more popular than ever before especially now that more Americans are living longer and aging more gracefully with the help of plastic surgery. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports there were nearly 8.5 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures performed in 2001, 1 which represents a 48 percent increase over 2000. Furthermore, the ASAPS found a 304 percent increase from 1997-2001. Periodontal plastic surgery has also felt this trend as it has experienced a significant shift toward cosmetic-related surgery to enhance smiles.through resective and augmentation therapy, periodontists can help make your smile last a lifetime. A recent poll of 253 consumers conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found the following: 2 50 percent consider the smile the first facial feature they notice 80.49 percent are not happy with their smile Respondents were seven times more likely to have periodontal, smile enhancement procedures, than face-lifts Smile enhancement procedures outnumbered eyelid surgeries five to one 1 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2001 Cosmetic Surgery Statistics Quick Facts. http://surgery.org/news_releases/feb2002quickfacts.html 2 The American Academy of Periodontology Consumer Esthetics Survey. March 2002
Crown Lengthening Crown Lengthening Crown lengthening is a procedure to remove the excess gum tissue, exposing more of the crown of the tooth.the gum line is then sculpted (or sutured) to create the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface.this sets the stage, allowing your new veneers or crowns to have the correct length and shape. Reasons for Crown Lengthening This procedure is for patients who feel their teeth are too short (known as a gummy smile) or their gum line is uneven.
Crown Lengthening Case Examples Crown Lengthening Gummy Smile A 13-year-old girl has excessive gingival overgrowth (a gummy smile) due to orthodontics. Eighteen months after crown lengthening procedure. Wedding A patient wanted to improve the appearance of her crown to enhance her smile prior to her wedding. A minimally invasive microsurgical technique was used to reshape the bone support and to achieve symmetrical crown lengths. Postorthodontic After orthodontic treatment, the patient s teeth appear to slope down to the right and her lower lip appears asymmetrical. Two months after treatment tooth length and symmetry are improved. Results after crown lengthening and a new crown. Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S. Four years after crown lengthening procedure. Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S. and T Bridgeman, D.D.S. Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S.
Root Coverage During this procedure, gum tissue from your palate or other materials are used to facilitate coverage of the exposed root.this can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity. Reasons for Root Coverage Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots, develop gum tissue where absent due to excessive gingival recession or to make prosthetic devices, such as dental implants, look natural. In some cases, they can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay and prepare teeth for orthodontic treatment.this may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve the esthetics of your smile as well. Root Coverage
Root Coverage Orthodontics Exposed Roots Dental Implant Root coverage will This patient wanted to This patient s front dental Root Coverage Case Examples enhance this patient s smile and thicken his gums, decreasing the risk of recession during improve her smile. Root coverage was implant was partially exposed, creating an undesirable smile. orthodontic treatment. achieved as well as a A gingival graft was significant thickening placed to cover the Root coverage was Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S. of the gums, which exposed implant so the completed in one surgery with a gingival graft and decreases her risk of obtaining perio- Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S. restorations did not need to be replaced. the patient underwent dontal diseases. orthodontic therapy three months later. Final results after periodontal treatment and orthodontic therapy. Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S.
Dental Implants A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place, or to provide support for a denture. Reasons for Dental Implants Dental implants are the answer for many people with missing or damaged teeth they look and feel just like your own teeth. Implants enhance smiles and prevent bone loss that often accompanies dentures. Dental Implants
Dental Implants Dental Implant This patient lost her front tooth and did not want traditional Implant Placement Procedure 1: Dental implants can support a fixed bridge, 4: Replacement teeth are created and securely attached to the small posts. bridgework. eliminating the need for a removable partial denture. The dental implant is Dental Implants Case Examples Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S. and T Butson, D.D.S. indistinguishable from the natural tooth.the patient can smile, speak, and eat again with comfort and confidence. X-ray of Implant 2: Implants are placed into the jawbone. After this surgical treatment, the bone in the jaw attaches to the implants, holding them firmly in place.the attachment of bone to the implant usually takes three to Source: American Academy of Periodontology 5: After treatment is complete, brushing, flossing and regular professional dental care are essential to the success of the dental implant. This dental implant was six months. successfully fused to the jawbone and covered 3: Small posts are with a crown to provide attached to the implant, natural-looking teeth. projecting through the gums. Several weeks after this second procedure the replacement crown can be fabricated. Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S. and C Suzuki, D.D.S.
Ridge Augmentation Ridge augmentation procedures are used to correct concavities in the jawbone where natural teeth are missing. Reasons for Ridge Augmentation Ridge augmentation corrects depressions in your gum line that are unnatural looking and sometimes make you seem older than you really are. It is also used to prevent the jawbone from collapsing following tooth extraction, and helps to even out replacement teeth that may seem too long compared to adjacent teeth. Ridge Augmentation
Ridge Augmentation Ridge Augmentation Case Examples Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S. and S Carstensen, D.D.S. Asymmetrical Bridge This patient had a fixed bridge and one of the teeth became asymmetrical due to a concavity of his jawbone. A connective tissue ridge augmentation procedure was performed to repair the concavity. Ridge augmentation builds up the jawbone, giving the fixed bridge a more natural look. Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S. Ridge Deficiency This patient has a significant gum deficiency and the adjacent teeth have porcelain extensions to create symmetry with the abnormally long two front teeth. A new bridge with completely revised teeth lengths after ridge augmentation created a much enhanced gum profile.
Combination Procedures A combination of periodontal procedures can result in a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health your keys to smiling, eating, and speaking with comfort and confidence. Reasons for Combination Procedures Your periodontist may use several different types of procedures to build a framework for your perfect smile. Oftentimes, periodontal plastic surgery lays the foundation for further cosmetic enhancements by your general dentist. Combination Procedures
Combination Procedures Veneers Orthodontics Girlish Smile (root coverage/ After orthodontic These full face before and crown lengthening) treatment, this patient after photos illustrate This patient wanted an wanted an even smile. there are different tooth even gum line before shapes and also different Photos by BL Butler, D.D.S. and G Chyz, D.D.S. getting veneers.the combination of procedures helped to achieve this goal. Groundwork for a Perfect Smile Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S. Final results show the success of root coverage and crown lengthening procedures. types of faces and smiles. A gingival graft and crown lengthening helped improved this young lady s girlish smile. A combination of augmentation, resective therapy, and restorative procedures created this greatly improved smile. Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S. Photos by CL Townsend, D.D.S. and L Jones, D.D.S. Combination Procedures Case Examples